Students' understanding level and scientific literacy competencies related to momentum and impulse

Abstract

Momentum and impulse are one of the material that often experienced difficulties by students. This happens because students' ability to understanding the concept is different. Conceptual understanding is very important for students, as the basis of scientific literacy. The aims of this research were to analyze students' understanding level and scientific literacy competencies on momentum and impulse. This research used the descriptive survey method. The subjects of this research were 28 students of physics education program from Universitas PGRI Madiun. Subjects consist of 1st semester (9 students) and 3rd semester (19 students) who have received the Basic Physics course previously. Subjects determined by using random sampling techniques. Data collected using test and interview. The results showed that 40.18% students categorized in misunderstanding and 27.68% students have scientific literacy competencies. Some students do not understand the concept correctly, even though the material has been taught before. Misunderstanding can arise because the material that has been taught not associated with its application in daily life and not presented in various form of representation. The results of this research can be used as a reference for lecturers to determine the appropriate strategies that improve students' understanding of momentum and impulse.